Previews

Street Fighter Anniversary Collection

This isn't just a gimmick, nor are the older characters automatically outclassed by their newer versions. For example, World Warrior fighters might lack the new moves and abilities introduced in the later games, but they can hit harder than anyone else. In fact, the World Warrior version of Guile is one of the best (or cheapest, perhaps) characters in the game. While some veterans might have preferred a straight port of SSF2T, there's no denying that this is one very interesting take on this classic game.

Three Strikes and You ... Win?

As mentioned, SF3: Third Strike represents the SF3 series, and it's a winner. SF3 differs from its predecessor in many ways, the most obvious of which are the vastly improved graphics and animation. SF3 sports the best 2D animation ever featured in a video game; if you've not seen a SF3 game in motion before, you'll be amazed at the smoothness and fluidity with which its characters clash. (Pity, then, that Capcom hasn't made such a smoothly animated game since.)

A tense pose-off between Q and Urien enters its third hour.

The gameplay couldn't be more different, either. For starters, you only get to choose one Super Art per match, and you're stuck with it until you lose. Each character has three to choose from, and they can often call for very different strategies. Another huge addition is parrying. By skillfully tapping forward on the joystick (or down for low attacks), you can nullify just about every attack in the game. Your opponent will be stuck in their attack frames, while you're ready to unleash your own assault. Parrying completely changes the rhythm and momentum of a match; one minute you're defending, the next you're dishing it back. Use it wisely and you'll be unstoppable.

It can take a while, but you'll grow to love them.

One of the problems players had with the original SF3 was that the characters were too bizarre, and compared to SF2, Third Strike's cast is decidedly odd. What's remarkable and admirable is that Capcom managed to create so many original-feeling fighters, many of whom are largely unique in the 2D fighting universe. Sure, Remy plays like Guile and Ryu will always be Ryu, but fighters like Twelve, a morphing bio-organism, and Q, a stiff-jointed, seemingly mechanical man bring new and different styles to the table. All these factors combined help make Third Strike one of the deepest fighters yet made, with countless tactics to learn and exploit.